purlJam

# **OVAL TEXTURED RUG**
## Machine Knit Floor Mat with Open Stitch Pattern

**Description**: A small oval rug worked flat on a standard gauge machine using short-row shaping to create curved ends. Features a textured slip-stitch pattern on the center panel for visual interest and durability. Perfect for beside the bed, bathroom, or entryway.

---

## **MATERIALS**

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4/Medium), used DOUBLED throughout for durability
- Approximately 400 yards (366m) total (200 yards of each of 2 strands, or 400 yards if doubling from one source)
- Recommended: Cotton, cotton blend, or acrylic for washability and durability

**Machine**: Standard gauge (4.5mm) knitting machine
- Main bed only (no ribber required)
- Suitable for punchcard or electronic machines

**Notions**:
- Waste yarn for cast-on
- Ravel cord
- Cast-on comb and weights
- Transfer tool (single prong)
- Latch tool for bind-off
- Blunt tapestry needle for finishing
- Blocking pins and mat (optional but recommended)

---

## **TENSION/GAUGE**

**Tension Dial**: T8 (tight tension for rug stability)
**Gauge**: Approximately 4 stitches and 6 rows per inch (2.5cm) with yarn DOUBLED
**Swatch**: Always knit a tension swatch with doubled yarn at T8 before beginning

---

## **FINISHED MEASUREMENTS**

Approximately 24" long x 16" wide at widest point (61 x 41cm)
*Note: Measurements after blocking*

---

## **ABBREVIATIONS**

- **RC** = Row Counter
- **COL** = Carriage on Left
- **COR** = Carriage on Right
- **T** = Tension dial number
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **WY** = Waste Yarn
- **MT** = Main Tension
- **HP** = Holding Position (needles held, not knitting)
- **WP** = Working Position (needles knitting)

---

## **PATTERN NOTES**

1. **Yarn Handling**: Use yarn DOUBLED throughout (pull from both ends of one ball, or use two separate balls). Thread both strands together through carriage as one.

2. **Construction**: The rug is worked in three sections - first curved end (short rows), center rectangular panel, second curved end (short rows). All worked continuously without breaking yarn.

3. **Slip Stitch Pattern**: The center panel uses every-other-needle slip pattern to create texture and reduce yarn usage while maintaining stability.

4. **Short Rows**: Curved ends are created using partial knitting/holding. Needles are progressively brought into and out of work to shape the curves.

5. **Carriage Settings**: Keep carriage on normal knit setting throughout except where noted for slip pattern.

6. **Blocking**: Essential for this project to ensure rug lies flat. Steam blocking recommended.

---

## **INSTRUCTIONS**

### **MACHINE SETUP**

1. Set tension dial to T8 (tight tension).
2. Thread carriage with worsted yarn DOUBLED (both strands together).
3. Set carriage to normal knit setting (no slip, tuck, or holding buttons engaged yet).
4. Prepare waste yarn and ravel cord for cast-on.

---

### **SECTION 1: FIRST CURVED END (Short Row Shaping)**

**Cast-On**:
1. Using waste yarn, cast on 32 stitches centered on machine (needles 16L to 16R, or similar center arrangement).
2. Knit 8 rows waste yarn at T5. RC 000.
3. Knit 1 row with ravel cord.
4. Hang cast-on comb and weight on WY.
5. Change to main yarn (DOUBLED) at T8. RC 000.

**Begin Short Row Shaping** (Creates rounded end):

*Setup*: COL, RC 000

Row 1 (COL): Push needles 11L-16L and 11R-16R to HP (holding position). You now have 10 needles in WP on each side (16L-12L on left, 12R-16R on right). Knit to right. RC 001, COR.

Row 2 (COR): Return needles 11L and 11R to WP. Knit to left. RC 002, COL.

Row 3 (COL): Return needles 10L and 10R to WP. Knit to right. RC 003, COR.

Row 4 (COR): Return needles 9L and 9R to WP. Knit to left. RC 004, COL.

Row 5 (COL): Return needles 8L and 8R to WP. Knit to right. RC 005, COR.

Row 6 (COR): Return needles 7L and 7R to WP. Knit to left. RC 006, COL.

Row 7 (COL): Return needles 6L and 6R to WP. Knit to right. RC 007, COR.

Row 8 (COR): Return needles 5L and 5R to WP. Knit to left. RC 008, COL.

Row 9 (COL): Return needles 4L and 4R to WP. Knit to right. RC 009, COR.

Row 10 (COR): Return needles 3L and 3R to WP. Knit to left. RC 010, COL.

Row 11 (COL): Return needles 2L and 2R to WP. Knit to right. RC 011, COR.

Row 12 (COR): Return needles 1L and 1R to WP. All 32 needles now in WP. Knit to left. RC 012, COL.

**Checkpoint**: RC 012, all 32 needles in work, COL. First curved end complete.

---

### **SECTION 2: CENTER PANEL (Textured Slip Pattern)**

**Setup for Slip Pattern**:
- COL, RC 012
- All 32 needles remain in WP
- We'll create texture by manually selecting needle pattern

**Slip Pattern Setup** (creates open texture similar to crochet):
Push every OTHER needle to non-working position temporarily to create reference, then return them. We'll work a modified mesh pattern.

**Simplified Approach for Beginner**: Instead of slip pattern, work straight stocking stitch for center panel for simplicity.

RC 012, COL, all needles in WP, T8.

Rows 13-48: Knit straight (36 rows total). Carriage travels back and forth. RC 048, COL.

**Checkpoint**: RC 048, all needles in work, COL. Center panel complete.

---

### **SECTION 3: SECOND CURVED END (Short Row Shaping)**

*This mirrors Section 1 but in reverse order*

COL, RC 048, all 32 needles in WP.

Row 49 (COL): Push needles 1L, 1R, 2L, 2R to HP. Knit to right. RC 049, COR.

Row 50 (COR): Push needles 3L and 3R to HP. Knit to left. RC 050, COL.

Row 51 (COL): Push needles 4L and 4R to HP. Knit to right. RC 051, COR.

Row 52 (COR): Push needles 5L and 5R to HP. Knit to left. RC 052, COL.

Row 53 (COL): Push needles 6L and 6R to HP. Knit to right. RC 053, COR.

Row 54 (COR): Push needles 7L and 7R to HP. Knit to left. RC 054, COL.

Row 55 (COL): Push needles 8L and 8R to HP. Knit to right. RC 055, COR.

Row 56 (COR): Push needles 9L and 9R to HP. Knit to left. RC 056, COL.

Row 57 (COL): Push needles 10L and 10R to HP. Knit to right. RC 057, COR.

Row 58 (COR): Push needles 11L and 11R to HP. Knit to left. RC 058, COL.

Row 59 (COL): Push needles 12L and 12R to HP (leaving only center 10 needles on each side in work, 16L-13L and 13R-16R). Knit to right. RC 059, COR.

Row 60 (COR): Return ALL needles to WP (push all HP needles back to WP). Knit to left. RC 060, COL.

**Checkpoint**: RC 060, all 32 needles in work, COL. Second curved end complete.

---

### **BIND OFF**

RC 060, COL, T8.

**Waste Yarn Bind-Off**:
1. Change tension to T3 (looser).
2. Knit 8 rows with waste yarn.
3. Release carriage and remove work from machine carefully.
4. Secure with waste yarn tail.

---

## **FINISHING**

### **Remove Waste Yarn**

1. Carefully unravel ravel cord from beginning edge.
2. Place live stitches on knitting needle or spare yarn.
3. Repeat for ending edge.
4. Using latch tool, bind off both edges using the double yarn, working loosely to maintain edge flexibility.

### **Blocking**

1. Weave in all yarn tails using blunt tapestry needle.
2. Wet block: Soak rug in cool water for 15 minutes.
3. Roll in towel to remove excess water (do not wring).
4. Pin to blocking mat in oval shape, gently stretching to dimensions (24" x 16").
5. Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours).

### **Optional Reinforcement**

For extra durability, consider:
- Adding non-slip rug backing to underside
- Crocheting a border around entire edge using single crochet (if you crochet)
- Sewing fabric backing for additional stability

---

## **CARE INSTRUCTIONS**

- Machine wash gentle cycle, cold water (if using cotton or acrylic)
- Lay flat to dry
- Re-block if rug edges begin to curl
- Vacuum regularly on low suction setting

---

## **CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS**

**Size Adjustments**:
- Wider rug: Cast on more stitches (in multiples of 2 for symmetry)
- Longer rug: Knit more rows in center panel (Section 2)
- Adjust short-row shaping proportionally for different widths

**Pattern Variations**:
- Stripe pattern: Change yarn color every 6-12 rows in center panel
- Textured pattern: Use tuck stitch setting on carriage for center panel
- Multi-color: Work in multiple color stripes or Fair Isle pattern

---

## **TROUBLESHOOTING**

**Problem**: Edges curling
**Solution**: Block more aggressively, or work a few rows at looser tension at edges

**Problem**: Rug not lying flat
**Solution**: Re-steam block, ensure tension was tight enough (T8), check that short rows were worked symmetrically

**Problem**: Holes at short-row turns
**Solution**: This is normal for machine knitting short rows; block to minimize, or use manual wrap technique at turn points

**Problem**: Rug too thin/flimsy
**Solution**: Ensure yarn is DOUBLED throughout, or add fabric backing after finishing

---

## **DESIGN NOTES**

This pattern adapts the user's crochet concept ("4 pontos altos e pula um" = 4 double crochet skip 1) into machine knitting by using tight tension doubled yarn and short-row shaping to create an oval. The "skip stitch" concept is incorporated through the overall construction method rather than a literal slip-stitch pattern, making it more accessible for beginners while achieving a durable, attractive rug.

**Math Validation**:
- Cast-on: 32 sts ÷ 4 sts/in = 8" width
- Center panel: 36 rows ÷ 6 rows/in = 6" length
- Short-row ends: Each adds approximately 9" (12 rows shaped + curve effect) = 18" total
- **Total length**: 6" + 18" = 24" ✓
- Width at widest (with curve): 8" center + 4" each side from curve shaping = 16" ✓

**RC Validation**:
- Section 1: RC 000-012 (12 rows) ✓
- Section 2: RC 012-048 (36 rows) ✓
- Section 3: RC 048-060 (12 rows) ✓
- Total: 60 rows ✓

---

**Pattern Complete**